Windscreen washer fluid is an important component of any car and while it’s useful all year round, it can become essential in seasons such as winter. Visibility is extremely important for those in the driver’s seat and if the windscreen becomes dirty, it’s crucial that you can rely on a supply of windscreen washer fluid to tackle the visibility issues.
There are many car owners who know what windscreen washer fluid is and why it’s important but not how to refill the car’s reservoir. In this blog, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to refill your car’s windscreen washer fluid and cover exactly what it’s used for.
What is Windscreen Washer Fluid Used for?
Windscreen washer fluid is a liquid which is used to help clean your windscreen effectively. The fluid is stored within the vehicle and distributed across the windscreen via small pump jets so it can be used by the windscreen wipers to remove any dirt on the glass.
Some variations of windscreen washer fluid will come pre-mixed, however, others may require you to dilute the fluid with water before use. The dilution of the fluid is necessary to prevent any remnants of the dried fluid from sticking to the windscreen.
You may be wondering ‘why can’t I just use water?’ Well, as water can freeze, it’s possible that during the winter months, this could happen and completely block the pipes. Windscreen washer fluid, on the other hand, typically contains anti-freezing chemicals which prevent this from happening. Just using water alone can also be ineffective against some of the oils and debris which can build up on your windscreen.
Where is the Washer Fluid Reservoir?
The washer fluid reservoir is located underneath the bonnet, so you’ll need to start by opening it up using the release catch. Lift up the bonnet and secure it in place so that it doesn’t drop down whilst you’re carrying out the refill.
Now you’ll need to look out for the washer fluid symbol. This will generally be similar to the image below, although the cap itself can be blue, yellow, black, white, or any range of colours.
As different brands and models of cars differ so much, if you’re having trouble finding the cap, we’d advise looking in your car handbook – this will tell you exactly what the washer fluid cap looks like and where it is located.
Refilling Your Windscreen Washer Fluid
Follow the steps below to successfully refill your windscreen washer fluid reservoir.
- Once you’ve found the cap, remove it.
- Begin pouring in your replacement washer fluid. (Check the variety you’ve bought, as you may need to add water to dilute it if it isn’t pre-mixed.)
- Keep pouring the liquid directly into the filler pipe until the fluid reaches the top of the pipe - this can take quite a lot of liquid!
- Once refilled, make sure to properly screw the cap back on and double-check that it’s closed tight. If it isn’t, there’s a chance washer fluid could leak all over your engine bay.
How often should you refill your windscreen washer fluid?
It’s recommended that you check your windscreen washer fluid levels every two months or so, however, you may want to check it more frequently during the winter months when you’re likely to use it much more often.
Making sure your washer fluid is topped up is important if you’re regularly commuting or making long journeys, as running out mid-trip could pose a threat to your safety if debris obscures visibility.
What to Avoid When Refilling
Although filling up your windscreen washer fluid is an ‘easy when you know how’ task, there are a few things you should watch out for to prevent any issues from occurring whilst out on the road.
Make sure you’ve got the right reservoir
It’s crucial that you put the windscreen washer fluid into the designated reservoir. If you accidentally fill up another tank with this fluid, such as the motor oil reservoir, this could affect the overall function of your vehicle.
If you’re unsure double-check the symbol on the cap and refer to your car’s manual.
Avoid getting debris in your washer fluid
Make sure that your fluid is stored properly with the lid on and that it isn’t left open for long periods of time. This is to prevent any debris or dirt from becoming mixed with the fluid, which could clog the washer lines in your car.
Don’t mix too much water when diluting the washer fluid
It should clearly state on the bottle of your washer fluid the ratio of how much water should be mixed with the fluid. It’s important to follow this as closely as possible; the excessive amount of water could cause the fluid mixture to freeze.
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